Danthai lands Boonchu title in epic play-off

BY CK ON March Thu, 2017 16:51

Nakhon Ratchasima, December 26 : Danthai Boonma got the better of Jazz Janewattananond on the fourth play-off hole to win the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship title.

The 20-year-old Danthai ended Jazz's challenge with a par on the fourth play-off hole -- the 18th of the par-71 Charnvee Resort and Country Club. Both were level on 15-under 269 in regulation play.

Danthai took home 612,500 baht, while Jazz received 402,000 baht at the 3.5-million-baht tournament.

Danthai, who claimed his first play-off win as a professional, dedicated the victory to his parents and admitted that he was quite nervous during the shoot-out.

"It was a great way to finish the year after winning the Thai PGA Tour title in Kabin Buri early this year," said Danthai, who also has an Asian Tour crown to his credit.

"I am happy to win my first title on the All Thailand Golf Tour."

Earlier in his amateur career, Danthai had edged Gavin Green of Malaysia in a play-off to win the individual gold medal at the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar.

Jazz, meanwhile, said that he miscued his tee-shot on the fourth play-off hole, where he found the sand bunker.

Prom Meesawat, who carded a final 62 with nine birdies in a bogey-free round, came in joint third on 14-under 270 with James Byrne of Scotland (66) and Rattanon Wannasrichan (68). They received 198,333 baht each.

Thailand No.1 Thongchai Jaidee in his bid to claim the title and move into the top 50 in the world. The world No.52 settled for joint sixth on 13 under after he signed for a 69 with one eagle, three birdies, one bogey and a double bogey.

Joining him on 13-under 271 were Raththee Srithanakunsak (66), Sutijet Kooratanapisan (67) and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (68).

Overnight leader Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol, who led by three shots going into the final round, endured a disappointing 73 with two birdies and four bogeys. He shared 10th on 12-under 272 with Kiradech Aphibarnrat (69).

Thanyakorn Khrongpha carded a 67 for 273.

Udorn Duangdecha finished the year on top of the All Thailand Golf Tour money list after a tie with Prayad Marksaeng (68), John Michel O'Toole (69) of the United States and Tawit Polthai (70) for the 25th place.

With this event being the final leg of the Asian Development Tour, the top five on the money list are granted automatic places on the Asian Tour next year. Thailand's Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Suradit Yongcharoenchai, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, are among the qualifiers.